The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council was scheduled to convene to consider an application for a new premises licence. The application was for Robin's Ramen, located at 7 Kensington Mall, and had received relevant representations, triggering a hearing to determine its outcome. The Sub-Committee was to determine whether the application should be granted, and if so, what conditions should be attached to the licence.

Robin's Ramen, 7 Kensington Mall

Robin's Ramen Limited had applied for a new premises licence for Robin's Ramen, 7 Kensington Mall. The application sought permission for late-night refreshment (indoors) and the retail sale of alcohol (both on and off the premises). The proposed hours were:

• Late-Night Refreshment (Indoors): Monday to Sunday, 11pm to 11:30pm, with an extension until 2:30am on New Year's Day.
• Sale of Alcohol (On and Off Premises): Monday to Sunday, 10am to 11:30pm, with an extension until 2am on New Year's Day.
• Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am to midnight, extending to 2:30am on New Year's Day.

The applicant described the premises as a small ramen restaurant with customer areas on the ground and first floors. The designated premises supervisor was named as Mr Thomas Wright.

The applicant volunteered a number of steps to promote the licensing objectives, including a summary sheet detailing proposed conditions.

Five representations opposing the application had been received by the licensing authority. Concerns raised in the representations included:

• Fears that takeaway alcohol sales would lead to gatherings and drunken behaviour in Lucerne Mews.
• Obstruction of the narrow pavement on Kensington Mall by delivery bikes, forcing pedestrians into the road.
• Disturbance caused by late-night drilling at the premises, leading to concerns about further disruption from late-night alcohol sales.
• Increased littering from takeaway alcohol containers in Lucerne Mews and nearby streets.
• Nuisance from smoking outside the premises late into the evening.
• Delivery riders blocking pavements and posing a safety risk to pedestrians.

Appendix G of the Public Reports Pack 09th-Oct-2025 detailed the objectors as Mrs Elizabeth Smith, Richard Gibbs, Guglielmo Panizza, Mr Michael Denton and Mrs Avril Denton, and Jennifer Hoppe, all residents of Lucerne Mews.

The report also noted that two noise/nuisance complaints had been received in the preceding 24 months, and that no Temporary Event Notices had been submitted in the past 12 months. The planning department had not raised any concerns regarding planning restrictions or conditions.

The report outlined the options available to the Committee, which included granting the application in full, modifying the conditions, rejecting the designated premises supervisor, or rejecting the application. It stated that the Committee must act with a view to promoting the licensing objectives, and have regard to its own Statement of Licensing Policy and the Secretary of State's Guidance.

Appendix E of the Public Reports Pack 09th-Oct-2025 included extracts from the Secretary of State's Guidance, which states that licensing authorities must have regard to the guidance issued by the Secretary of State under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, but may depart from it if they have good reason to do so. It also states that each application must be considered on its own merits and that conditions attached to licences must be tailored to the individual type, location and characteristics of the premises and events concerned.

Appendix F of the Public Reports Pack 09th-Oct-2025 contained extracts from the Statement of Licensing Policy, which states that the Licensing Authority must carry out its licensing functions so as to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. It also states that the Licensing Authority will avoid duplication with other regulatory regimes, such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, as far as possible.